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Judge Rules 'American Idol' Murder Suspect Incompetent to Stand Trial

Trial proceedings pause pending a state-hospital transfer with involuntary psychotropic treatment.

Overview

  • Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Maria Cavalluzzi found Raymond Boodarian not presently competent to stand trial at a Nov. 13 hearing.
  • Boodarian refused transportation from jail and did not appear, and the court proceeded after his attorney waived his right to be present.
  • The judge authorized involuntary psychotropic medication, finding treatment medically appropriate and likely effective to restore competency.
  • A transfer to a state hospital was ordered, and a follow-up competency hearing is scheduled for December 19.
  • Boodarian is charged with killing Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca during a July 10 Encino burglary, with special-circumstance allegations and evidence including surveillance footage and a welfare-check discovery four days later.